Monday 21 April 2014

Ingredients 101: Salicylic Acid

Natural or Synthetic: Both

The Science: Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid that can either be synthesized in a lab or sourced naturally through a variety of plants and fruits, including willow bark, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raisins, kiwis and apricots.

Beauty Benefits: The structure of salicylic acid enables it to gently penetrate the skin, breaking down and exfoliating the dead skin cells that block pores and cause acne. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which help remove redness and reduce the amount of damaging bacteria on the skin. It treats other skin problems by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so it can be removed.

Salicylic acid has also been proven to firm the skin, stimulate collagen production and improve the skin's barrier functions.

Warnings: Salicylic acid should be avoided during pregnancy.

Salicylic acid can also cause irritation, so it is not advised for those with sensitive skin. However if you have sensitive skin and are really desperate to try this ingredient, look for products that only contain low concentrations of salicylic acid.

Found in: La Roche-Posay Effaclar K (£13.00 Boots / $30.99 laroche-posay.us). This oil-free moisturiser provides great hydration. It also works as an amazing acne treatment and is my go-to product when pimples appear!
La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Salicylic Acid
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